As they did in Game 1 of the doubleheader Monday, the 51s offense came out swinging early and often in Game 2 and toppled the Sacramento River Cats 10-4.

Besides the offensive explosion for the 51s, the most exciting part of this game occurred in the top of the 7th inning when both benches cleared after 51s reliever Armando Rodriguez hit Grant Green with a pitch. That HBP came on the heels of Jordany Valdespin, who had been tearing up Sacramento pitching, being hit the previous inning. Although no punches were thrown, there was pushing and shoving and several players were ejected, including Valdespin and Rodriguez as well as Manager Wally Backman.

After collecting a single in four trips to the plate in Game 1 of the double-dip, Jordany Valdespin smashed a 3-run homer (3) in the 3rd inning of Game 2, extending his hitting streak to five games. In 13 AAA contests ‘Spin has nine extra base hits (4 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR) and 24 runs batted in. He came into action Monday with an insane 1.308 OPS.

RF Jamie Hoffmann, who didn’t play in Game 1, continued his recent hot streak, picking up his third multi-hit game in his last four starts. The soon-to-be 29-year-old was 3 for 4, with two doubles (26), two rbi and a run scored. He’s 7 for his last 16 (.437) since his fortunes turned for the better last week.

Matt den Dekker had two more hits and an rbi in the nightcap, finishing the day with four driven in. That’s three games in a row with two hits and a four game hitting streak overall. He also has an impressive seven rbi over that stretch. For those who don’t believe rbi are an important statistic – and there are many folks who don’t – den Dekker’s recent fortunes might not mean much. But, at the very least, it’s a reflection of all the clutch hits he’s collected lately.

Wilmer Flores completed his double header the same way he started, by driving in runs. With two more singles and two rbi in Game 2, Flores finished the long night with three hits and four driven in. He will enter Tuesday’s action with a PCL-leading 85 rbi to go with a .324 BA.

Notes: The 51s won 8 of 9 games on their homestand….Vegas had 22 hits in the doubleheader (14 in Game 2)….Kirk Nieuwenhuis cracked his 1st double since being demoted and 5th overall with Vegas….Zach Lutz had two knocks.[/sny-editorial]